Samakkhi Mukkhamat Hall is located within Sanam Chandra Palace and was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh.

Its core concept was to combine a royal ceremonial space with a performing arts venue within a single structure—an innovative architectural idea for its time.

Concept Design

This hall was not intended to function solely as a traditional audience hall. Instead, it was designed to serve two primary purposes:

• Audience Hall: Used for royal audiences, receiving officials, and conducting important ceremonies

• Royal Theater: Used for Khon (classical masked dance drama) and other refined performing arts

The integration of these two functions reflects King Rama VI’s strong support for Thai arts and culture, particularly his active promotion of Khon performances.

Layout and Structure

• Built as a raised Thai-style structure (approximately 1 meter above ground) to prevent moisture and enhance ventilation
• Constructed primarily of wood, showcasing traditional Thai craftsmanship
• Designed as an open hall without enclosing walls, allowing natural airflow

A key highlight is:

Surrounding Verandas on Three Sides

• Used as performance space for actors in Khon performances

• Enables multi-directional viewing, allowing audiences to watch from various angles

• Distinct from Western theaters, which typically focus on a single frontal stage

Architectural Elements

The hall reflects Thai applied art from the late Rattanakosin period, including:

• Pediment:
  Decorated with the image of Indra riding Erawan (the three-headed elephant)
  → Symbolizes divine authority and the sacred status of the monarchy
• Ornamental Patterns:
  Traditional Thai kanok motifs with flowing, symmetrical elegance
• Roof Structure:
  Multi-tiered Thai roof design, creating a graceful and majestic silhouette
• Interior Space:
  Wide, open layout with no central pillars obstructing the view
  → Ideal for both ceremonies and performances

Historical Functions

The hall played significant roles in several aspects:

• Housing the Royal Nine-Tiered White Umbrella (Phra Maha Sawet Chat)

• Serving as a venue for Wild Tiger Corps (Suea Pa) meetings, an important organization during King Rama VI’s reign
• Hosting royal Khon performances and court dramas

This highlights its role as a center of both political authority and cultural expression.

Distinctive Features

Compared to other buildings within Sanam Chandra Palace, Samakkhi Mukkhamat Hall stands out because:

• It does not emphasize enclosed Western-style grandeur
• Instead, it focuses on open space and functional design
• It is one of the few structures specifically designed to accommodate performing arts

Present-Day Role

Today, the hall continues to be used for important occasions such as:

• Official government ceremonies

• Cultural events and special provincial activities in Nakhon Pathom

It also serves as:

• A photographic landmark

• A learning site for Thai architecture and cultural heritage

• By Car: From Bangkok, take Phetkasem Road or Borommaratchachonnani Road toward Nakhon Pathom. The palace is located near Phra Pathom Chedi.

• By Train: Take a train to Nakhon Pathom Railway Station, then continue by local transport (about 2 km).

• Dress modestly (no sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee), as this is a royal compound

• Arrive before 3:30 PM to allow enough time before ticket sales close

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and better lighting for photography

• Consider visiting Chali Mongkol Asana Residence, which is nearby

• Bring drinking water, a hat, or an umbrella, as the area is quite open and can be hot during midday

Admission Fee:

• Thai Visitors: Adults 30 THB / Children 10 THB

• Foreign Visitors: 50 THB

Opening Hours:

• Open daily: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM (Ticket sales close at 03:30 PM)

• Note: Closed on some public holidays and on November 25 each year